Starter housing broken?

I started my 97 Z28 today (been several days since started) and it made a helluva clunk, sounded like the rear of the engine. Car did start and Oil pressure was fine. I could then hear a loud "ticking" coming from the converter area of the car. I removed the plate and discovered that the entire cast metal nose of the starter had broken off (laying in the bottom of the plate, therefore probably what was ticking as it hit).

What could have caused the nose of the starter to just break? Starter still works and car starts with no noise now, however still have a faint ticking noise around the converter area. I have not replaced the starter yet, waiting to determine what could have caused it.

97 Z28 Stock LT1 with 108,000 miles.

Bolts could be slightly loose or sometimes they just break.

Bolts on the starter were (seemed) Ok. You talking about the converter or flex plate?

If it is loose at all it will bust, Look for a rebuilder loacally, I had one do it last week, he replaced the end and rebuilt it for $75 with a 1 year warrenty

a back fire or buck can cause this.